Triangle-area spa owner arrested on prostitution charges after investigation
A Pittsboro spa owner was arrested for allegedly promoting prostitution following a monthslong investigation into alleged human trafficking, town police said.
Chao Li, 37, an owner of the Blue Jade Spa on West Street in Pittsboro, was arrested Thursday and faces a felony charge of promoting prostitution and three misdemeanor charges of aiding and abetting prostitution, unlicensed practice of massage/body work and advertising without a license. Pittsboro police announced arrest Friday.
Investigators first received a complaint about the spa from a community member in October who alleged the salon was unlicensed and operating illegally, police said earlier this month. Police said other concerns were raised about people living at the business or rarely leaving the property.
Pittsboro police executed a search warrant of the salon April 10 after they said a five-month investigation pointed to “probably cause indicating illegal sexual activity and potential human trafficking occurring at the salon.”
Li posted a $3,000 bond on the misdemeanor charges and remains in custody on the felony charge, Pittsboro police said Friday. He is scheduled to appear in Chatham County Court on April 22.
Pittsboro police said the investigation into the spa remains ongoing.
